By Aliu Akeem
Manchester City Champions League clash with Feyenoord began as a potential crisis-ending moment but concluded in a catastrophic 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite Erling Haaland’s dazzling double and Ilkay Gundogan’s goal putting City in control, their defensive frailties resurfaced, throwing Pep Guardiola’s team deeper into turmoil.
Haaland, who has consistently delivered on the big stage, struck twice to give City a commanding 3-0 lead. His performance was complemented by a well-taken goal from Gundogan, temporarily quelling the team’s growing concerns. However, City’s defensive collapse in the final 15 minutes undid their earlier brilliance. A misplaced back-pass from Josko Gvardiol allowed Anis Hadj Moussa to cut the deficit, sparking a Feyenoord comeback.
This blunder, coupled with goalkeeper Ederson’s positioning errors, gave the visitors renewed hope. Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko capitalized on City’s disorganization, completing a dramatic comeback for Feyenoord, a team currently struggling in the Eredivisie.
Guardiola Under Fire After Defensive Collapse
City’s defensive structure came under scrutiny after a series of lackluster individual performances. Josko Gvardiol, normally a reliable presence, endured a torrid evening. His errors compounded an already fragile defense, with critics highlighting his lapse in concentration as a turning point. Goalkeeper Ederson, too, faced criticism for failing to adequately guard his post during Feyenoord’s equalizer.
Nathan Ake’s absence in the game’s closing stages was felt deeply. Substitutions aimed at shoring up the team instead left City vulnerable, as inexperienced players struggled under pressure. Guardiola, visibly frustrated on the touchline, acknowledged his own misjudgment in over-rotating late in the match.
The defensive collapse now extends Manchester City’s winless streak to six games across competitions, raising alarm bells for a side once considered the benchmark of consistency in Europe. As City fans grapple with another missed opportunity, Guardiola faces mounting pressure to address the team’s glaring issues at the back.
